Casey Wasserman begins sale of agency after backlash over emails included in recently released Epstein files. Major artists and DJs are cutting ties with Wasserman Music Agency after CEO Casey Wasserman appears in the Epstein files released by the U.S. Justice Department.
Casey Wasserman Moves to Sell Agency Amid Industry Backlash
In a memo sent to staff, Casey Wasserman confirmed that he has begun the process of selling the company he founded 24 years ago, describing himself as “a distraction” amid the ongoing fallout. The move follows weeks of public criticism after his name appeared in documents released by the U.S. Justice Department, including 2003 email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell.
“I believe that I have become a distraction to those efforts,” Wasserman wrote, adding that the sale process is already underway. During the transition, longtime executive Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while Wasserman focuses on his role leading the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In the memo, Wasserman apologized directly to employees, stating, “I’m deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort.” He reiterated that his contact with Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein consisted of what he described as a single humanitarian trip and “a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending,” adding that the interactions occurred years before their criminal conduct became public.
The announcement marks the most significant institutional response yet to the wave of artist departures that began within the electronic music community. What started as individual statements from DJs has now resulted in a structural shift at one of the most powerful talent agencies in the entertainment industry.
Artists and DJs Exit Wasserman After CEO Named In Epstein Files
John Summit, Subtronics, Levity and other prominent touring electronic artists have publicly called for change. Their response has turned one of the entertainment industry’s most powerful agencies into the center of a growing leadership test. After the release of Epstein files by the United States Justice Department, which included 2003 email exchanges between Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, several DJs tied their future representation to executive accountability.
The documents were released as part of a broader federal disclosure tied to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted pedophile and child sex trafficker. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on charges related to sex trafficking and abuse of minors and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Casey Wasserman has no charges for any offense.
John Summit: “I will not remain with the agency”
Following the release of the Epstein files which included correspondence involving Casey Wasserman, artists across genres moved to end their representation. John Summit was among some of the high-profile DJs that publicly demand action.
Posting on X and Instagram, he tied his future with the agency directly to whether Casey Wasserman remains in charge. While emphasizing that his personal agents have no involvement, Summit made clear that executive accountability would shape his next move.
“If casey wasserman doesn’t step down, i will not remain with the agency. His actions do not reflect the integrity of the agents i work with, and if change does not happen, we will take our talents elsewhere.”
Summit later clarified that he had “zero plans on leaving [his] agents,” reinforcing the distinction many artists have drawn between individual representatives and executive leadership.
Tape B: “Absolutely disgusting”
Tape B stated that he would not remain represented by Wasserman under current circumstances and referenced the released Epstein files directly. He added that he had no intention of staying.
“I refuse to be represented by a company whose CEO has ties to the Epstein files. This is absolutely disgusting.”
Subtronics: “I have no intention of staying”
Dubstep artist Subtronics stated that he would not remain under the agency’s current structure. In an Instagram Story, he separated his position from the actions of agency leadership while expressing support for his agent.
“I do not stand with Casey Wasserman or his atrocious actions. Accountability is f—ing important and he should step the f— down and out of everything he is part of. I have no intention of staying at a company affiliated with Casey Wasserman.”
He added that his longtime agent and others were now dealing with consequences stemming from decisions “far above them.”
Seven Lions: “This requires direct action”
Seven Lions indicated that he would not remain with Wasserman music agency under its current ownership following the Epstein files release. He states that the situation required more than limited public acknowledgment.
“This is not something that can be brushed aside, or allowed to quietly fade away. It requires direct action, real responsibility, and meaningful change.”
Jeff Montalvo (Seven Lions), also wrote that none of the agents he works with were responsible and described it as “genuinely painful” to see them placed in that position.
Levity: “We are no longer represented”
Chicago trio Levity confirmed their departure via Instagram Stories, aligning themselves with other DJs and artists stepping away.
“We are no longer represented by the Wasserman talent agency. We do not stand for the actions of its CEO and refuse to be represented by his company.”
They added that they “love and appreciate” their agents while rejecting continued affiliation under current leadership.
Rezz: “No intention of staying”
Rezz wrote via Instagram Stories that she would not remain represented under Wasserman’s ownership and said her team was working through next steps.
“I have no intention of staying at a company owned by Casey Wasserman.”
Lane 8: “No longer wish to be represented”
Lane 8 confirms that he no longer wishes Wasserman’s agency representation, signaling that his future move must align with his values.
“I no longer wish to be represented by Wasserman.”
Daniel Goldstein, a Denver-based electronic music producer known for melodic house, stood firm that remaining with the agency was no longer tenable.
Louis the Child: “We urge him to step down”
Electronic duo Louis the Child addressed the situation directly, stating they did not condone what had come to light and urging leadership change.
“What really would make this all better for everyone (and is just the right thing to do) is if Casey stepped down, and we urge him to do so immediately.”
They note their longstanding relationship with their agent, asking for patience as final decisions are underway.
Mersiv: “Extremely dark”
Mersiv wrote that he and his team were reassessing representation, describing what he had learned as “extremely dark.” He emphasized that discussions were ongoing.
“I cannot allow myself or my team to be represented under this.”
Daily Bread: “Blindsided”
Daily Bread shares he was “blindsided” by the news and described it as “surprising, disgusting, and disheartening.” Adding that he is in constant discussions with the team.
“I personally know many other artists doing the same thing.”
Pop and Indie Artists Follow
As electronic artists moved first, major artists across genres followed with public exits.
Chappell Roan wrote:
“As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman… Artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and supports their safety and dignity.”
Weyes Blood stated:
“I will not be remaining with Wasserman. Casey Wasserman’s behavior is fundamentally at odds with everything I value.”
Orville Peck confirms he made “the decision to no longer be represented by the Wasserman talent agency,” while expressing compassion for staff affected by the fallout.
Roster Removed, Institutional Stakes Rise
Since the public statements began, the Wasserman music and talent agency has removed its public artist roster from its website. Reporting by The Wrap indicates that internal discussions may include a potential buyout and rebranding, though there’s no official confirmation yet.
Wasserman also serves as chair of LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. After reviewing concerns, the LA28 Executive Board stated that he “should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games.”
What the Documents Revealed
The Justice Department’s release included 2003 email exchanges between Wasserman and Maxwell. In one message, Wasserman asked what he would have to do to see Maxwell “in a tight leather outfit.” In another, he wrote, “where are you, I miss you,” and asked about booking a massage.
CEO Casey Wasserman addressed the correspondence in a statement earlier this year.
“I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell which took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light. I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”
Currently, the CEO has no charges for any offense. The Wasserman agency has not issued a public statement specifically addressing the wave of artist departures.
What Happens Next to Wasserman Agency after Epstein Files Come to Light
The response from electronic artists turned a document release into a visible test of leadership inside the global talent business. In an industry where reputation and trust underpin representation, public alignment between artists and executives comes part of the calculus.
Whether additional major clients will follow remains unclear. What’s certain is that the first sustained and highly visible push for accountability came from the DJ and artist community. This shift the discussion from private industry concern to open public scrutiny.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
